William Conrad was a towering figure in American entertainment, with a career spanning over five decades across radio, film, and television. Known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding screen presence, Conrad’s versatility allowed him to excel as an actor, director, and producer. He left an indelible mark on American popular culture through his work in classic radio dramas, his roles in film noir, and his long-running television career. Conrad’s most notable TV appearances include his role as Frank Cannon in Cannon and J.L. “Fatman” McCabe in Jake and the Fatman. His success in multiple mediums made him one of the most enduring and beloved figures in 20th-century entertainment.
Born John William Cann on September 27, 1920, in Louisville, Kentucky, Conrad’s early years were shaped by his love for performance and storytelling. He was raised in a musical household—his father was a theater owner—which gave young William his first exposure to the world of entertainment. After moving to California, Conrad attended Fullerton College before joining the Army Air Forces during World War II. Upon returning from military service, Conrad’s career in entertainment took off, particularly in radio, where he would soon become one of the medium’s most recognizable voices.
Early Career and Breakthrough in Radio
William Conrad’s rich, powerful voice made him a natural fit for radio, which was the dominant form of entertainment in the 1940s. He became a regular on radio dramas, working as both an actor and a narrator. Conrad is best remembered for his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular radio series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1952 to 1961. His portrayal of Dillon set the standard for the strong, quiet lawman in American Westerns. Conrad’s deep, authoritative voice and ability to convey emotion through dialogue made him the ideal choice for the lead role. Though Gunsmoke eventually became even more famous as a television show, Conrad’s performance in the radio version remains a touchstone in the history of the genre.
Beyond Gunsmoke, Conrad lent his voice to numerous other radio dramas, including Escape, Suspense, and The CBS Radio Workshop. He was renowned for his ability to switch effortlessly between roles, from tough detectives to vulnerable heroes, making him one of the most sought-after voice actors of his time. Conrad’s mastery of voice acting helped to shape the golden age of radio and solidified his reputation as one of the medium’s greatest talents.
Transition to Film: The Face Behind the Voice
While William Conrad initially gained fame through his radio work, he soon made the transition to film, appearing in a number of classic films noir in the 1940s and 1950s. His imposing figure and intense gaze made him a natural fit for the dark, gritty world of film noir. One of his most notable roles came in The Killers (1946), where he played the role of an assassin. The film, based on an Ernest Hemingway short story, is now considered a classic of the genre, and Conrad’s portrayal of the cold, ruthless hitman showcased his ability to play menacing, morally ambiguous characters.
Conrad also appeared in Body and Soul (1947) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948), both of which are now recognized as classics of post-war American cinema. Though he often played supporting roles, Conrad’s powerful screen presence ensured that he stood out, even in films headlined by major stars. His deep voice and commanding physicality made him an unforgettable figure on the silver screen.
In addition to his acting roles, Conrad worked as a director and producer in the 1950s, taking on various projects in film and television. His behind-the-scenes work allowed him to expand his influence within Hollywood, showcasing his versatility and understanding of the craft.
Television Stardom: Cannon and Jake and the Fatman
By the 1960s, television had eclipsed radio as the dominant form of entertainment in American households, and William Conrad was well-positioned to make the leap to the small screen. In 1971, he landed the lead role in Cannon, a crime drama that aired on CBS. Conrad played Frank Cannon, a tough, overweight private detective who relied on his wits and experience to solve crimes. Despite not fitting the mold of the typical TV detective, Conrad’s portrayal of Cannon resonated with audiences, and the show became a hit, running for five seasons until 1976.
Cannon was a breakthrough role for Conrad, who proved that he could carry a TV show as a leading man. The character of Frank Cannon was unconventional in many ways—unlike the trim, action-hero detectives of the era, Cannon was overweight and often relied on his intellect and instincts rather than brute force. Conrad’s portrayal gave the character depth, showing a detective who was both tough and compassionate. The success of Cannon cemented Conrad’s status as a major TV star.
In 1987, Conrad returned to the world of crime dramas with Jake and the Fatman, in which he played District Attorney J.L. “Fatman” McCabe. The show, which ran until 1992, followed the partnership between McCabe and Jake Styles, a young investigator played by Joe Penny. Once again, Conrad brought his unique blend of gravitas and humor to the role, making McCabe a beloved character. His interactions with Jake and the show’s blend of legal drama and detective work kept viewers engaged throughout its run.
Iconic Voice Work and Narration
In addition to his acting work, William Conrad remained a prolific voice actor throughout his career, narrating a number of television series, documentaries, and commercials. His distinctive voice was featured as the narrator of the long-running television series The Fugitive (1963–1967), which followed Dr. Richard Kimble (played by David Janssen) as he evaded capture while searching for the one-armed man who had killed his wife. Conrad’s deep, authoritative voice lent the show an extra layer of drama and tension, helping to make The Fugitive one of the most popular shows of its time.
Conrad also narrated the animated series Rocky and His Friends, better known as The Bullwinkle Show, from 1959 to 1964. His work on the show demonstrated his versatility as a performer, as he brought humor and energy to the narration of this beloved cartoon. In later years, Conrad continued to lend his voice to commercials and documentaries, ensuring that his iconic voice remained a familiar sound for generations of listeners.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, William Conrad received numerous accolades for his contributions to television, film, and radio. In 1997, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television, recognizing his decades of achievement in the entertainment industry.
Conrad’s performance as Frank Cannon earned him several award nominations, including two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His ability to transition seamlessly between different mediums—radio, film, and television—cemented his status as a true renaissance man of American entertainment.
Legacy
William Conrad’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether on radio, television, or film, Conrad brought depth, gravitas, and professionalism to every role he played. From his iconic voice work in Gunsmoke and The Fugitive to his unforgettable performances as Frank Cannon and J.L. McCabe, Conrad left an enduring legacy in American entertainment.
His ability to navigate different genres and formats, from film noir to legal dramas, made him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. His work continues to influence generations of actors and voice performers, and his contributions to television and radio are celebrated to this day. William Conrad’s enduring presence in the entertainment world reflects his remarkable range and the timeless appeal of his talent.